The Victorian Government today released a plan for controlling feral horses in the Alpine National Park that, if implemented, will help protect native Australian wildlife and ecosystems for future generations.
“The Victorian Government’s new plan to reduce destructive feral horse numbers in the Alpine National Park will see horses removed entirely from the Bogong High Plains and a significant reduction in the eastern Alps population,” Invasive Species Council conservation director James Trezise said.
“Australia has the largest population of feral horses in the world. Our native ecosystems did not evolve with hard-hoofed animals such as feral horses, which degrade and destroy sensitive habitats.
“It is vital feral horses are removed from sensitive alpine wetlands, including areas along the Bogong High Plains, and this plan aims to do just that.
“Victoria and the ACT are leading the way on the management of feral horses in the Australian Alps. In contrast, the NSW Government has proposed to retain a large population of feral horses in Kosciuszko, including along the Victorian border. This is simply exporting the problem south and is a major concern.
“We need consistent and strong feral animal management across the Australian Alps, horse, deer and pig numbers need to be brought down to help save our native wildlife.”
The plan, while expressing a preference for trapping and rehoming of feral horses, also sets out a full suite of control measures to reduce the number of horses in the high country.